• © IMO’s “Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I, Prevention” as amended (IMO Manual), and
• The STS plan being ship specific, includes all the necessary information and procedures that are required for the safe execution of STS operations.
• The STS plan is a subset of the vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS). Therefore, the objectives of the vessel’s ISM would also be applicable to the STS plan.
Renewal and Approval of an STS Plan
• If the company of a vessel changes, since the STS plan is part of the SMS, it is expected to reflect the current tanker operator’s specific policies and procedures.
• Whenever a vessel is purchased second hand or a DOC management changes, a new and updated STS plan is to be prepared and approved by the flag administration or its authorized RO thereof.
• An exemption for the need for a re-approval could be considered for cases wherein, the flag of the vessel does not change and the DOC of the handing over company is identical to the DOC of the taking over company, both the companies having the same policies and procedures.
In all the above situations confirmation from the tanker vessel’s Flag Administration is to be obtained on the procedure the vessel’s shipowner intends to follow.
Service Provider’s Familiarity of the Vessel’s STS Plan
• As applicable and in association with the IMO Oil Pollution Manual / 6.2.1.2 the vessel’s qualified POAC must have a thorough knowledge of the STS plan and it would be therefore beneficial to submit the STS plan to the service provider prior to the preparation of the Joint Plan of Operation.
• Copies of the STS plan should be available on the bridge, cargo control room and at the engine control room. See Part A/Section 2/6.2.4.2.
PART A Operations, Process and Procedures 1
SECTION 1 Ship Particulars 2
1.1List and Location of Ship’s Manuals and Plans 3
1.2 Approval History 4
1.2History of Revisions 5
1.4 Record of Crew Review 6
SECTION 2 Introduction 7
2.1 STS Transfer Operation Plan 7
2.2 Regulatory Requirements 8
Regulation 40 8
Regulation 41 10
Regulation 42 11
2.3 “Manual on Oil Pollution, Section I-Prevention” 2011 12
6.1 Introduction 12
6.1.1 General provisions 12
6.1.2 Limitations of applicability 12
6.1.3 Non-applicability to bunker operations 12
6.1.4 Exclusions due to emergencies 12
6.1.5 Exclusions from Flag States 12
6.2 General requirements for vessels involved in ship-to-ship transfer operations 13
6.2.1 Person in overall advisory control 13
6.2.2 STS transfer area 15
6.2.3 Notification to authorities 15
6.2.4 STS operations plan 16
6.2.5 Communications 17
6.2.6 Equipment 19
6.2.7 Precautions against pollution 21
6.2.8 State of readiness for an emergency 21
6.2.9 Contingency planning and emergency procedures 21
6.3 Risk assessment 22
6.3.1 Risk assessment scope 22
6.4 Preparation for operations 22
22
6.4.1 Preparations before maneuvers 23
6.4.2 Communications 23
6.4.3 Confirmation of readiness 23
6.4.4 Joint Plan of Operation 24
6.4.5 Alignment of cargo manifolds 24
6.4.6 Suspension of Hoses 25
6.4.7 Responsible person(s) requirements 25
6.4.8 Agreement between Vessels 26
6.5 Performance of operations 26
6.5.1 Immediate checks on start of operation 26
6.5.2 Confirmation of normality and permissibility to continue transfer 26
6.5.3 Periodical checks 26
6.5.4 Caution to avoid surge pressures 27
6.5.5 Exchange of Information 27
6.5.6 Vapor Emission 27
6.5.7 Ballast Operations 27
6.5.8 Attention to mooring lines 27
6.6 Completion of operations 27
6.6.1 Adequate ullage space 27
6.6.2 Closure of valves and drainage of hoses 27
6.6.3 Coordination of unmooring plan 28
6.6.4 Confirmation of items before unmooring 28
6.6.5 Completion of documentation & unmooring 28
6.7 Suspension of operations 28
6.7.1 Examples of reasons for suspension of operations 28
6.7.2 Resumption of operations 29
6.8 References 29
2.4 Arrangement of the STS Plan and Event Log 30
SECTION 3 Definitions 31
SECTION 4 Foundation of an STS Plan 36
4.1 Preamble 36
4.2 Scope 36
4.3 Execution of Risk Assessments 36
4.4 Centralized Control of Operations 37
4.4.1 General 37
4.4.2 Adequate manning and prevention of fatigue during STS Operations 38
4.5 Responsibility of STS Superintendent 38
4.6 Person in Overall Advisory Control (POAC) 39
4.7 Training and Familiarization of Ship’s Personnel 40
4.7.1 General 40
4.7.2 Components of Training 40
4.8 Security of the Vessels Involved in the STS Transfer Operation 41
4.9 Security Associated with Multiple Vessels 41
SECTION 5 Conditions and Requirements 43
5.1 Ship to Ship Compatibility 43
5.2 Compatibility Assessment 43
5.2.1 Vessels of Similar Lengths Involved in STS Transfer Operations 44
5.2.2 The use of Dumb Barges 45
5.3 Notification to and Approval from the Authorities 46
5.4 Transfer Area for STS Transfer Operations 46
5.5 Environmental Conditions 47
5.5.1 General conditions and measures 47
5.5.2 Precautions and measures in cold weather conditions 48
5.5.3 Ship to ship operations in ice conditions 48
5.5.4 Sloshing of cargo tanks 49
5.6 Ship to Ship Service Providers Quality Assurance (QA) requirements 50
SECTION 6 STS Transfer Operations Safety 51
6.1 General Requirements 51
6.2 Risk Assessment 51
6.2.1 Transfer Location Risk Assessment 51
6.2.2 Ship to Ship Transfer Operation Risk Assessment 52
6.3 Life Saving Appliances (LSA) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 53
6.4 Checklists 54
6.5 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 55
6.6 Considerations for the Accumulation of Gas on Open decks 55
6.7 Safety Infringement 55
6.8 Cargo Leakage 55
6.9 Helicopter Operations 55
6.10 Considerations of Safety during Cargo Transfer 56
6.10.1 Naked Lights and Smoking 56
6.10.2 Electrical Switchboards Earths 56
6.10.3 Main Propulsion, Power Generation, Steering Gear and other Machinery 56
6.10.4 Electrical Isolation 57
6.10.5 Use of Satellite Communication, Radar and Radio Equipment 58
6.10.6 Fire-fighting Equipment 58
6.10.7 Electrical storms 58
6.10.8 The use of galley Stoves 58
6.10.9 Openings in the Accommodation 59
6.10.10 Unauthorized craft 59
SECTION 7 STS Transfer Operations Communication 60
7.1 General 60
7.2 Language of Operation 60
7.3 Communications before Arrival 60
7.3.1 Information to be obtained from the Ships 60
7.3.2 Information to be given to the ship by the Organizer 61
7.4 Navigational Warnings 61
7.5 Communications - Approach, Mooring and Unmooring 61
7.6 Cargo Transfer Operations Communications 62
7.7 Procedures to be Adopted for Communication Failures 62
SECTION 8 STS Transfer Operational Preparations 63
8.1 General 63
8.2 The Joint Plan of Operation (JPO) 63
8.3 Preparation of STS Transfer Operation 64
8.4 Lightering Support Vessels 65
8.5 Lights, Shapes and Sounds Navigational Signals 66
SECTION 9 Maneuvering and Mooring 67
9.1 General 67
9.2 Two STS Ships Under Power Maneuvering Alongside at Sea 67
9.2.1 Information to be obtained from the Ships 68
9.2.2 Guidance for Maneuvering Alongside 69
9.2.3 Guidance for Maneuvering a Two STS Ship Combination System to Anchorage 69
9.2.4 Guidance for STS Transfers Underway 70
9.3 Maneuvers with One Ship Already at Anchor 71
9.4 In Port Operations Maneuvers 71
9.5 Maneuvering with One Ship Already Alongside a Terminal 72
9.6 Mooring Operations 72
9.6.1 Mooring Plans 72
9.6.2 Mooring Operations at Sea 75
9.6.3 Mooring Operations in Port 78
SECTION 10 STS Transfer Operation Procedures Alongside 79
10.1 Procedures Prior to Transfer 79
10.2 Responsibility for STS Cargo Operations 79
10.3 Planning for Cargo Transfer 79
10.4 General Guidance on the Transfer of Cargo 81
10.5 Operational Guidance after Completion of Cargo Transfer 82
SECTION 11 STS Transfer Operation Unmooring 83
11.1 Prior Unmooring Preparations 83
11.2 Procedure for Unmooring 83
11.2.1 Unmooring after Underway Transfer 83
11.2.2 Unmooring with one Ship at Anchor 84
11.2.3 Unmooring from a Ship alongside a Terminal 84
11.2.4 Unmooring with the use of Quick Release Arrangements 85
SECTION 12 STS Transfer Operation Equipment 86
12.1 Fenders 86
12.1.1 Fenders Associated with at Sea Transfer Operations 86
12.1.2 Other Considerations Associated with Fenders for at Sea Transfer Operations 87
12.1.3 Guidance for Fender Selection for at Sea Transfers 89
12.1.4 Requirements for Fenders 89
12.1.5 Fenders Associated with at Port Transfer Operations 90
12.1.6 Low Pressure Fenders 91
12.1.7 Ribbed Fenders 91
12.1.8 Foam Filled Fenders 92
12.2 Cargo Transfer Hoses 92
12.2.1 Standards for Hoses 92
12.2.2 Length of Hoses 92
12.2.3 Flow Velocities and Pressure Ratings of Hoses 93
12.2.4 Hose Handling 93
12.2.5 Connection of Hoses 94
12.2.6 Inspection of Hoses and Testing 94
12.2.7 Marking 95
12.3 Equipment for Mooring 95
12.4 Transfer of Personnel – STS transfer Operations at Sea 97
12.4.1 Lifting Equipment Suitability 98
12.5 Transfer of Personnel – STS transfer Operations in Port 100
12.6 STS transfer Operations Lighting 100
12.7 STS transfer Operations Ancillary Equipment 101
12.8 STS transfer Operations Noise Levels 101
SECTION 13 STS Transfer Operation Emergencies 102
13.1 Emergency Response Procedures & Contingency Planning 102
13.2 STS Transfer Operations Emergency Signals 103
13.3 STS Transfer Operations Emergency Situations 103
13.4 STS Transfer Operations Examples of Emergency Situations 104
13.5 Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan 104
13.6 STS Ships State of Readiness for Emergencies 105
13.7 STS Transfer Operations suspension as a Precautionary Step 106
SECTION 14 References 107
PART B Appendices 108
Appendix A At Sea Ship to Ship Transfer Operations 109
Check List 1 Prior Fixture 110
Check List 2 Before Operations Commence 111
Check List 3 Before Run-In and Mooring 112
Check List 4 Before Cargo Transfer Commences 113
Check List 5 Before Unmooring 114
Appendix B At Port Ship to Ship Transfer Operations 115
Check List 6 Pre-Transfer in Port STS Cargo Transfer Check List 116
Check List 6A ISGOTT Ship/Shore Safety Check List 118
Check List 7 Pre- STS Cargo Transfer Checks in Port 122
Appendix C Personnel Transfers by Crane Checklist 123
Check List 8 Personnel Transfers by Crane 124
Appendix D STS Transfers Involving Vapor Balancing 127
Check List 9 STS Transfers Involving Vapor Balancing 128
Appendix E STS Transfers Reverse Lightering Consideration 129
1 Reverse Lightering Operations Considerations 129
1.1 General Concept 129
1.2 Fendering Considerations 129
Appendix F STS Transfers Assembly of Hose Lengths 130
1 Guidance on the Assembly of Hose Lengths 130
1.1 General Concept 130
1.2 Lengths of Hose not Within the Containment Area 130
1.3 Miscellaneous requirements for Hose Connections 130
1.4 Preparatory measures for Hose Connections 130
1.5 Tightening of Flanges for Hose Connections 130
Appendix G STS Transfers Guidance on Risk Assessments 132
G1 High Level Risk Examples 133
G2 Casual Factors Leading to High Level Risks 134
G3 Risk Mitigation Measures Examples 135
Appendix H Fender Selection Assistance Request Form 136
Appendix I Ship Specific Plans 138
1.0 General Arrangement 139
1.1 Tank Capacity Plan 140
1.2 Manifold and Drip Tray Arrangement and Details 143
1.3 Anchor Handling and Mooring Arrangement 144
1.3.1 Plan of Mooring Equipment on the Forecastle Deck 144
1.3.2 Plan of Mooring Equipment Mid. Upper Deck 146
1.3.3 Plan of Mooring Equipment AFT. Upper Deck 146
1.4 List of Personnel, Location Responsibilities, Emergencies 147
1.5 Ship Interest Contacts 148
Appendix J List of National Operational Contact Points 149
PART C Event Log of STS Transfer Operation 154
SECTION 1 Record of STS Transfer Operations 154
1.1 STS Transfer Operation Log 155
1.2 STS Transfer Operations Detailed Log 156